Journeying Toward Freedom and Equity

https://ignatiansolidarity.net/blog/2021/03/26/armor-of-peace-and-justice/             Friday’s reflection from the ISN refers to armor as a means of protection. We can look at armor and shields from a variety of perspectives. Usually when I think of armor, I think of protecting myself. But armor and protection comes in many forms that can sometimes serve others too.  As soon as I opened Friday’s email, the first thing that came to mind was wearing a mask during the pandemic. We wear masks to first protect those around us. Wearing masks is armor for our brothers and sisters. When we look at the plagues of racial and social injustice, though, it brings into question how we can protect our neighbors who are not physically nearby. What sources of armor and shield can we find to show our love for them?  I found the ISN’s reflection to be beneficial because it also helped me to reflect on the times when I put up my own ...

Note:  This is the second part of a two-part reflection by Lucretia H. that was inspired by a recent Lenten Ignatian Solidarity Network piece. The link to the ISN posting is provided for you here:   https://ignatiansolidarity.net/blog/2021/03/10/lest-we-forget/             Is racism Real?   You be the judge of my experience.             I know I never thought of myself as a racist.   My mother would never permit it.   My father pointed out to us how privileged we were.   “If you have an education, you are never poor.”   I was the oldest of twelve, and my mother was a stay-at-home mom while my dad held three jobs.   He was a Postal Clerk, which paid the bills, and a Handyman at a local hotel, and a janitor at our church (the church money paid for our Catholic Education).    My family is diverse in ethnicity; Russian, Polish, Italian...

https://ignatiansolidarity.net/blog/2021/03/10/lest-we-forget/             Recent reflections for Lent got my mind remembering history and my own encounters with social justice. My Inspiration came from Sister Barbara Ginter, who invited me to go with her to New York City to visit Drug rehab centers. My most memorable one was Teen Challenge. If you have not read The Cross and the Switchblade by David Wilkerson, this is an easy read about a journey of faith and courage to help teens face their drug demons and end gang violence. I felt privileged to see the actual house and wheat on the fireplace which was the inspiration and confirmation for David Wilkerson that he was to begin his journey. There is a Teen Challenge chapter in Syracuse. Plan to learn more and perhaps volunteer.           Of course, Barb wanted to complete our visit to New York City with a Protest at the Cathedral. It was my fi...

https://ignatiansolidarity.net/blog/2021/03/09/grace-mercy-forgiveness-rooted-in-accountability/ The last few days of the Ignatian Reflection got me thinking. Our actions can be bold.  How is that?  Marching in protest rallies, calling on my Legislative Representatives when they make changes that make a difference for those who are working a full-time job and take home, (again take home), $400 a week…when just the rent is over $1000 a month or when food stamps are cut (food, a basic need).  It may also mean writing letters to the editor or signing a petition against gun violence.  Maybe it is looking at my own guns.  Maybe it is looking at my activities that are killing the air I breathe. My actions can also be a little quieter and more private.  Like the day I drove by a homeless man and felt guilty because I bought these awesome homemade oatmeal cookies and decided to give them to him.  That was a sacrifice, because when I had my afternoon coffee, ...